Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi

As auspicious fasting day for Hare Krishna followers, the Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi falls on the ‘Shukla Paksha Ekadashi’ (11th day during the waxing phase of moon) in the ‘Sridhar’ month of the Vaishnava calendar. As the name reveals
this ekadashi is observed in the month of ‘Shravana’ of the Hindu calendar and in the Gregorian calendar, the date falls between July to August. The Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is believed to be a highly rewarding day for married couples who
desire to have children. This ekadashi is also observed for the wellbeing of one’s child and is held very sacred for Vaishnavas. Being a propitious fasting day, this ekadashi is also commonly known as the ‘Pavitropana Ekadashi’, ‘Putrada Ekadashi’
or even ‘Pavitra Ekadashi’. The word ‘putrada’ in Hindi implies ‘giver of child’ and hence this ekadashi is primarily observed by childless couples to be blessed with offspring. The word ‘putrada’ in Hindi means ‘giver of son’ and of the two putrada
ekadashis of the Hindu calendar, the Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is observed by Lord Vishnu followers with full devotion and enthusiasm. This ekadashi is observed in the Eastern and Southern regions of India with full traditional religious
fervour.

Vaishnava Sravana Putrada Ekadashi 2018 is on August 22 Wednesday

Rituals during Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi:

Fasting on Vaishnava Shravana Ekadashi is very auspicious for Lord Vishnu devotees. They observe a strict fast for 24 hours from sunrise of ekadashi till the dawn of the next day, ‘dwadashi’. For more beneficial results, the vrat must be
observed by both husband and wife. The observer of this vrat must keep vigil all night and engage themselves in kirtans and bhajans dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is observed on two consecutive days. Samarth’s should keep the fast on the same day while ‘Sanyasis’ who desire salvation, must fast on the ‘dashami’ (10th day) as well as on Vaishnava Shravana Putrada
Ekadashi.

On this day, devotees worship Lord Krishna and ask forgiveness of all their sins. Various offerings are made to the lord to invoke the divine blessings. Devotees prepare special ‘Bhog’ for Lord Krishna that is distributed among other devotees
after the completion of ‘aarti’.

On Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi donating money and clothes to Brahmins is considered to be very auspicious. On this day one must also feed the poor and needy.

Significance of Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi:

The greatness of Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is explained in the ‘Bhavishya Purana’ in the form of conversation between Dharamraja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna. In Hinduism, the rituals performed during birth and death and considered to
be very significant. Moreover the funeral rites and ‘Shraddha’ rituals can only be observed by a male child only. It is believed that only after performing the ancestral rites, the deceased family members are granted peace. Therefore it becomes a
misery for couples who do not conceive a boy child. It is therefore advised for childless couples to devotedly observe the Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi vrat. The ‘Jhulan Yatra’ that is 5-day celebration also starts from the Pavitropana
Ekadashi and continues till the ‘Shravana Purnima’ (full moon day). Grand celebrations are held on this day in various Lord Krishna temples all over the country.